On Tuesday, the Giants mysteriously released part-time starter Nick McLeod, further thinning the Giants' cornerback depth, the Post acknowledged.
McLeod started five of the seven games played this season and provided much-needed versatility throughout the secondary, playing outside, slot and safety.
He has also been a core special teams member since joining the Giants in 2022.
The Giants approached McLeod, 26, about taking a pay cut during the season, a source confirmed after ESPN first reported.
He was playing on a one-year, $3 million contract after remaining as a restricted free agent during the offseason.
While salary-cut strategies to save on the salary cap have worked in the past for general manager Joe Schon, receiver Darius Slayton and cornerback Darnay Holmes, these moves also mean teams are left with a glut of free talent. This was done after training camp with a roster reduction that has had just as much impact. – Agent availability.
McLeod was asked to take a pay cut in the week leading up to the game in which he started. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed nine catches on 11 targets for 170 yards and one touchdown this season.
Cornerbacks Cordale Flott, Adoree' Jackson and Tre Hawkins all returned from injury last game, but the Giants missed out on targeted second-round draft picks Kamari Lassiter and Kool-Aid McKinstry. I've been searching for answers ever since. It's a matter of some choice.
Deonte Banks, a 2023 first-round pick, was benched against the Steelers on Oct. 28 after his efforts were questioned by coaches and teammates in the first two games of the season. Banks returned to the starting lineup last week and allowed two touchdown catches to manager Terry McLaurin and a league-high six touchdown catches.
McLeod began his NFL career with the Bills, following in the footsteps of head coach Brian Daboll and Shane.
